AI-led mine shaft scanning takes centre stage at industry event
Advancements in automated visual and LiDAR scanning technology for mine shafts were on display at the ‘Shaft Inspections 4.0: A New Revolution’ event held in Johannesburg on 12 November. ABB attended as part of its ongoing commitment to delivering digital and AI-driven solutions that enhance infrastructure management across the mining sector.
“Shaft scanning is one of the initiatives that we are looking into to expand our services offering to hoisting customers. We see great potential in this technology, and more generally in providing digital and AI-driven solutions in the mining industry,” says John Manuell, Global Business Unit Manager at ABB.
The specialist industry event, hosted by Dwyka Mining Services and Point.Laz, brought together mining engineers, hoisting specialists, and inspection professionals to explore how traditional manual shaft inspections are being replaced by autonomous, drone-based, and data-driven technologies. These platforms can generate high-resolution structural models while reducing human exposure to hazardous underground environments.
“Our focus is on integrating autonomous inspection data into hoisting, safety and asset management systems, particularly in deep-level mining environments common in South Africa,” says Henk Wiedemann. “The industry’s key challenge is no longer sensor capability, but the validation and operational use of data.”
Alex Grenier, CEO of Point.Laz, says the technology was designed around real mining conditions. “Our system was built to create spatially repeatable datasets that allow engineering teams to track deformation, structural fatigue and water ingress over time, enabling a shift from reactive repairs to predictive, engineering-led interventions.”
Jamie van Schoor, CEO of Dwyka Mining Services, says the focus is on improving safety and operational efficiency. “By reducing exposure time and improving data quality, we allow highly skilled personnel to focus on diagnostics, planning and execution rather than high-risk, time-limited inspection work.”
Point.Laz demonstrated its Lazaruss 3D scanning system, designed to generate repeatable datasets that can be linked to digital maintenance platforms to enable condition-based maintenance and improve long-term asset planning.
ABB continues to invest in innovative inspection and automation technologies that support safer, more efficient and more sustainable mining operations. With decades of expertise in hoisting systems and electrification, the company aims to enable data-driven decision-making and improved asset performance for customers across the region.
